RINA 5-Year Special Survey

Survey managed.
Class maintained.

We manage the full scope of the RINA 5-Year Special Survey — from initial dry dock preparation and structural inspection through NDT coordination, class attendance, and final certification documentation. One accountable point of contact, from hold point to endorsement.

Survey Overview

What is the RINA 5-Year Special Survey?

The RINA 5-Year Special Survey (also known as the Hull Special Survey) is a mandatory classification requirement for commercially operated superyachts — typically due every five years and coordinated around a scheduled dry docking.

Classification Requirement

Required by RINA and all major classification societies for commercially operated yachts every five years. Non-compliance results in class withdrawal.

Dry Dock Required

The survey requires the vessel to be hauled or placed in dry dock for full underwater hull, shell plating, and appendage inspection by the attending surveyor.

NDT & Structural Checks

Non-destructive testing of welds, plating, and structural members is required. Thickness gauging, ultrasonic testing, and visual inspection are standard scope.

Full Documentation Package

RINA requires comprehensive documentation — inspection records, repair certifications, gauging reports, and surveyor sign-offs — before class endorsement is issued.

Full Survey Scope

Prepared. Precise. Proactive.

Every phase of the 5-Year Special Survey is coordinated under a single DES project lead — from the first hold point notification to final class certificate issuance.

01

PRE-SURVEY - 60–90 DAYS OUT

Pre-Survey Planning & Dry Dock Preparation

02

IN DRY DOCK - ACTIVE SURVEY

Hull Inspection & Structural Assessment

03

NDT & WELD INSPECTION

Non-Destructive Testing & Repair Execution

04

AFLOAT SURVEYS - CONCURRENT

Machinery, Electrical & Safety Equipment Surveys

05

POST-SURVEY - CLOSE-OUT

Documentation, Certification & Class Endorsement

Why Choose us

A single point of contact.
Zero gaps in accountability.

Class Approved

Design Engineered Solutions delivers class-approved marine services with a focus on precision, compliance, and seamless execution. Working closely with captains, owner representatives, surveyors, and shipyards, we ensure every project is completed to classification standards with efficient coordination and attention to detail from start to finish.

On Time, Every Time

Survey windows are fixed, and dry dock delays are costly. Design Engineered Solutions delivers precise project coordination and execution, managing timelines, survey requirements, and technical operations with disciplined oversight to keep your vessel moving efficiently — not sitting in the yard longer than necessary.

Complete Documentation

We don't hand over a vessel with missing paperwork. Every gauging record, weld log, repair certificate, and form is compiled, reviewed, and submitted as a complete package. Your class certificate won't wait on outstanding items from us.

In-House Repair Capability

When survey findings require structural repairs, fabrication, welding, machining, or FRP services, Design Engineered Solutions is already on site and ready to execute. By handling both inspection coordination and repair services under one roof, we eliminate unnecessary delays, reduce coordination gaps, and keep projects moving efficiently through every stage of the yard period.

Transparent Progress Reporting

Captains and owners' representatives receive clear progress updates at each phase — no ambiguity about hold point status, no surprises at undocking. You always know exactly where the survey stands.

30+ Years of Experience

We've managed special surveys on steel, FRP and aluminum hulls across a wide range of vessel types and flag states. Our experience means we anticipate problems before they become conditions — and we know how to solve them when they arise.

Our Process

From first contact to certified and underway.

Our survey management process is designed to eliminate the coordination burden from the captain and owner's team — while keeping you informed at every milestone.

01

Initial Scope Call

Direct conversation with our senior engineers. We review the vessel's class history, outstanding notations, and survey due window to define a preliminary scope and timeline.

02

Pre-Survey Planning

Dry dock confirmed, NDT contractor coordinated, Class Society notified. A complete pre-survey plan is issued to the captain with phase schedule and hold point dates.

03

Survey Execution

Our team manages all inspection phases, NDT coordination, hold point attendance, and structural repair work under a single project lead — on site, every day.

04

Documentation & Submission

Complete survey package compiled and submitted to Class Society. All class conditions cleared, outstanding items resolved, and certificate renewal tracked to issuance.

05

Class Endorsed & Underway

Vessel returned to operation with full documentation package, renewed class certificate, and a clear record of all work completed — ready for flag state and insurance review.

Survey Timing

Don't wait until the window is closing.

Class Society surveys have fixed due windows. Late engagement with a survey partner compresses the planning phase, increases dry dock costs, and risks leaving the vessel out of class. We recommend engaging DES no less than 90 days before the required dry dock date.

Survey windows typically allow ± 3 months from the anniversary date. Class extensions are possible but not guaranteed. Insurance coverage may be invalidated if class lapses.

Get in Touch

Survey due? Let's talk scope.

Contact our senior engineering team to review your vessel's survey status, define the scope, and lock in your dry dock window. The earlier you engage, the smoother the survey.

Start the Conversation

561-440-0744